Zoom lens and imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

Provided are: a zoom lens including, in order from an object side, a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, an intermediate group as a whole, a negative lens group, and a rear group, wherein the intermediate group includes, in order from an object side, a first positive lens subgroup including one or two positive lenses, a first negative lens subgroup including only one cemented lens, a second negative lens subgroup including a negative lens with a concave surface facing an object, and a second positive lens subgroup including one or two positive lenses, the cemented lens constituting the first negative lens subgroup has at least one cemented surface with a convex surface facing an object, and a lens, closest to an image, of the second positive lens subgroup is a positive lens; and an imaging apparatus including the zoom lens.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2021-106603, filed on Jun. 28, 2021, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a zoom lens and an imaging apparatus.

Related Art

Imaging apparatuses including solid state image sensors, such as digitalstill cameras and digital video cameras, have been widely used. Examplesof such an imaging apparatus include various devices such as a digitalstill camera, a digital video camera, a broadcast camera, a surveillancecamera, and an in-vehicle camera. There is a strong market demand for azoom lens having a large aperture ratio and high optical performance inany imaging apparatuses.

As an optical configuration of the zoom lens, for example, apositive-lead type configuration including a lens group having positiverefractive power at a position closest to the object is known. In apositive-lead type zoom lens, generally, strong negative refractivepower is disposed in the second lens group that is second closest to theobject, and a large variable magnification burden is imposed on thesecond lens group, so that it is easy to realize high variablemagnification. In such a positive-lead type zoom lens, the telephototendency is strong, so that the overall optical length can be shortenedas compared with the focal length.

Here, in order to obtain a zoom lens having a small F value and highoptical performance, it is necessary to satisfactorily correct variousaberrations caused by a large aperture ratio. Therefore, in the zoomlens having a small F value, it is difficult to dispose strongrefractive power in each lens group as compared with the zoom lenshaving a large F value, and the entire system tends to be enlarged. Inorder to obtain a zoom lens with a small F value, it is preferable todispose a lens group having strong positive refractive power on theimage side, that is, at the rear of the entire system. However, when alens group having strong positive refractive power is disposed at therear of the entire system, it is difficult to obtain a zoom lens havinga strong telephoto tendency, and it is difficult to shorten the overalloptical length. As described above, in order to achieve a zoom lenshaving high optical performance and a small size while achieving a largeaperture ratio, it is necessary to appropriately set the powerarrangement, imaging magnification, lens configuration, and the like ofeach lens group.

Furthermore, in recent years, digital still cameras and the like thatcapture images by live view images have become widespread. During liveview imaging, a subject is focused by an image plane phase difference AFmethod or a contrast AF method. Specifically, in the contrast AF method,the subject is focused while constantly moving the focus group.Furthermore, in recent years, digital still cameras and the likeemploying tracking AF have been widely used. The tracking AF refers toan autofocus function that, after focusing on a subject to be imagedonce, keeps focusing on the subject at all times while moving a focusgroup according to movement of the subject.

In a case of capturing a moving image or the like using contrast AF ortracking AF as described above, there is a phenomenon in which the sizeof the subject on the imaging plane changes as the focus group moves. Ina case where the change in the image magnification due to the movementof the focus group is large, the imaging person observing the live viewimage feels uncomfortable. It is known that this change in imagemagnification increases as the focus group is disposed on the objectside of the optical system, that is, at the front of the optical system.Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately set the arrangement of thefocus group.

Currently, the following zoom lens is known. For example, WO 2017/99243A discloses a bright zoom lens including a lens group having positive,negative, positive, negative, and positive refractive powers in orderfrom the object side, and having an F value of about F1.9 to F2.8.However, in this zoom lens, since the combined refractive power from thefirst lens group to the third lens group is weak, and a lens grouphaving strong positive refractive power is disposed at the rear of theentire system, sufficient miniaturization is not realized.

JP 2020-197600 A discloses a bright zoom lens including a lens grouphaving positive, negative, positive, negative, and positive refractivepowers in order from the object side, and having an F value of aboutF2.8. However, in this zoom lens, the second lens group closer to theobject than the stop is set as the focus group. That is, since the focusgroup is disposed at the front of the entire system, there is a problemthat a change in the image magnification is large, which is notpreferable to tracking AF and contrast AF. In addition, the second lensgroup is relatively heavy, and when contrast AF is used, it is difficultfor the zoom lens to perform quick focusing due to the weight of thefocus group.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, andan object of the present invention is to provide a zoom lens that issmall as a whole, and excellent optical performance while having a largeaperture ratio, and an imaging apparatus including the zoom lens.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the above problem, a zoom lens according to thepresent invention includes, in order from an object side, a first lensgroup having positive refractive power, a second lens group havingnegative refractive power, an intermediate group M having one or morelens groups and having positive refractive power as a whole, a lensgroup F having negative refractive power, and a rear group R having oneor more lens groups, wherein the intermediate group M includes, in orderfrom an object side, a first positive lens subgroup Mp1 including one ortwo positive lenses, a first negative lens subgroup Mn1 including onlyone cemented lens in which two or more lenses are cemented, a secondnegative lens subgroup Mn2 including a negative lens with a concavesurface facing an object, and a second positive lens subgroup Mp2including one or two positive lenses, the cemented lens constituting thefirst negative lens subgroup Mn1 has at least one cemented surface witha convex surface facing an object, a lens, closest to an image, of thesecond positive lens subgroup Mp2 is a positive lens, a space betweenadjacent lens groups changes in zooming, the lens group F moves on anoptical axis in focusing, and the zoom lens satisfies followingConditional Expression:

−1.30≤fM/fMn1<0  (1)

where

fMn1 is a focal length of the first negative lens subgroup Mn1, and

fM is a composite focal length of the intermediate group M.

In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according tothe present invention includes the zoom lens and an image sensor thatconverts an optical image formed by the zoom lens into an electricalsignal.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a zoomlens that is small as a whole and has excellent optical performancewhile having a large aperture ratio, and an imaging apparatus includingthe zoom lens.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a lens cross-sectional view at a wide-angle end of a zoom lensaccording to Example 1;

FIG. 2 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens according toExample 1 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 3 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at an intermediate focal length of the zoom lensaccording to Example 1 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 4 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the telephoto end of the zoom lens according toExample 1 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 5 is a lens cross-sectional view at a wide-angle end of a zoom lensaccording to Example 2;

FIG. 6 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens according toExample 2 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 7 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at an intermediate focal length of the zoom lensaccording to Example 2 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 8 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the telephoto end of the zoom lens of Example 2 inan in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 9 is a lens cross-sectional view of a zoom lens at a wide-angle endaccording to Example 3;

FIG. 10 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens of Example 3in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 11 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at infinity at an intermediate focal length of thezoom lens of Example 3 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 12 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the telephoto end of the zoom lens of Example 3 inan in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 13 is a lens cross-sectional view of a zoom lens at a wide-angleend according to Example 4;

FIG. 14 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens of Example 4in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 15 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at infinity at an intermediate focal length of thezoom lens according to Example 4 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 16 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the telephoto end of the zoom lens of Example 4 inan in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 17 is a lens cross-sectional view at a wide-angle end of a zoomlens of Example 5;

FIG. 18 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens of Example 5in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 19 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at an intermediate focal length of the zoom lensaccording to Example 5 in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 20 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the telephoto end of the zoom lens of Example 5 inan in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 21 is a lens cross-sectional view at a wide-angle end of a zoomlens of Example 6;

FIG. 22 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the wide-angle end of the zoom lens of Example 6in an in-focus state on infinity;

FIG. 23 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at an intermediate focal length of the zoom lens ofExample 6 in an in-focus state on infinity; and

FIG. 24 is a spherical aberration diagram, an astigmatism diagram, and adistortion diagram at the telephoto end of the zoom lens of Example 6 inan in-focus state on infinity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of a zoom lens and an imaging apparatusaccording to the present invention will be described. However, the zoomlens and the imaging apparatus described below are an aspect of the zoomlens and the imaging apparatus according to the present invention, andthe zoom lens and the imaging apparatus according to the presentinvention are not limited to the following aspects.

1. Zoom Lens

1-1. Optical Configuration

The zoom lens according to the present embodiment includes, in orderfrom the object side, a first lens group having positive refractivepower, a second lens group having negative refractive power, anintermediate group M having one or more lens groups and having positiverefractive power as a whole, a lens group F having negative refractivepower, and a rear group R having one or more lens groups. Hereinafter,an optical configuration of the zoom lens will be described.

(1) First Lens Group

A specific lens configuration of the first lens group is notparticularly limited as long as the first lens group has positiverefractive power as a whole. For example, when two positive lenses areincluded, strong positive refractive power can be disposed in the firstlens group. In this case, it is possible to enhance the telephototendency at the telephoto end while achieving the high variablemagnification ratio, and it is easy to miniaturize the entire system.Note that the strong telephoto tendency means that the value of thetelephoto ratio indicates a smaller value. In addition, a configurationincluding at least one negative lens facilitates correction of aspherical aberration, a chromatic aberration, and the like, which ismore preferable for realizing a zoom lens having excellent opticalperformance.

(2) Second Lens Group

A specific lens configuration of the second lens group is notparticularly limited as long as the second lens group has negativerefractive power as a whole. For example, in a configuration includingtwo or more negative lenses and one or more positive lenses, strongnegative refractive power can be disposed in the second lens group. Inthis case, it is easy to increase the variable magnification ratio ofthe second lens group, and it is easy to realize excellent opticalperformance while achieving a high variable magnification ratio.Preferably, the lens surface, closest to the object, of the second lensgroup is convex toward the object. This makes it easy to satisfactorilycorrect the field curvature at the wide-angle end.

(3) Intermediate Group M

The intermediate group M includes one or more lens groups and haspositive refractive power as a whole. In the zoom lens, the intermediategroup M includes, in order from the object side, the first positive lenssubgroup Mp1 including one or two positive lenses, the first negativelens subgroup Mn1 including only one cemented lens in which two or morelenses are cemented, the second negative lens subgroup Mn2 having anegative lens with a concave surface facing an object, and the secondpositive lens subgroup Mp2 having one or two positive lenses. Theintermediate group M includes one or more lens groups disposed betweenthe second lens group and the lens group F. In the present invention,the lens group is divided with a variable space at the time of zoomingas a boundary. In a case where the intermediate group M is constitutedby one lens group, the space between the adjacent lens subgroups is afixed space in which the space does not change even in zooming. In acase where the intermediate group M includes two or more lens groups,among these lens subgroups, the space between some lens subgroups mayhave a variable space in zooming, and some lens subgroups each mayinclude a variable space.

By disposing the first positive lens subgroup Mp1, of the intermediategroup M, at a position closest to the object, it is easy to miniaturizethe entire zoom lens system. Further, by disposing the second positivelens subgroup Mp2 at a position closest to the image, it is easy tosecure a bright F value in the entire zoom lens system.

In order to realize a zoom lens having a large aperture ratio and asmall size, it is preferable to dispose strong positive refractive powerin the intermediate group M to converge the pencil of light. In a casewhere strong positive refractive power is disposed in the intermediategroup M, it is necessary to correct a spherical aberration and a fieldcurvature in an under direction generated in the intermediate group M bya strong divergence action. Therefore, in the zoom lens, by disposingthe first negative lens subgroup Mn1 and the second negative lenssubgroup Mn2 in the intermediate group M, the spherical aberration andthe field curvature in the under direction can be satisfactorilycorrected by a strong divergence action while relatively strong positiverefractive power is disposed in the intermediate group M by the firstpositive lens subgroup Mp1 and the second positive lens subgroup Mp2,and the zoom lens that is small as a whole, and excellent opticalperformance while having a large aperture ratio is realized.

Hereinafter, a preferable configuration of each lens subgroup will bedescribed.

The first positive lens subgroup Mp1 is a lens subgroup having positiverefractive power. A specific lens configuration of the first positivelens subgroup Mp1 is not particularly limited as long as the firstpositive lens subgroup Mp1 includes one or two positive lenses. Thelens, closest to the object, of the first positive lens subgroup Mp1 ispreferably a positive meniscus lens having a convex surface facing anobject. With such a configuration, it is further easy to reduce thediameter of the intermediate group M.

The first negative lens subgroup Mn1 is a lens subgroup having negativerefractive power. The first negative lens subgroup Mn1 may be composedof only one cemented lens in which two or more lenses are cemented, andthe other points are not particularly limited. For example, the cementedlens preferably has at least one cemented surface with a convex surfacefacing an object. When the first negative lens subgroup Mn1 isconfigured by a cemented lens having a cemented surface with a convexsurface facing an object, it is easier to satisfactorily correct thefield curvature in the entire zoom region.

The second negative lens subgroup Mn2 is a lens subgroup having negativerefractive power. The second negative lens subgroup Mn2 has a negativelens with a concave surface facing an object. As long as the secondnegative lens subgroup Mn2 has the negative lens, other specificconfigurations of the second negative lens subgroup Mn2 are notparticularly limited. In addition to the negative lens, another negativelens may be included, or a positive lens may be included as long as theentire lens exhibits negative refractive power. The object side face ofthe negative lens preferably has a stronger curvature with respect tothe image side face. Thereby, spherical aberration can be correctedsatisfactorily.

The second positive lens subgroup Mp2 is a lens subgroup having positiverefractive power. The second positive lens subgroup Mp2 includes atleast one or two positive lenses, and as long as the lens closest to theimage is a positive lens, other specific configurations are notparticularly limited. The image side face of the positive lens, closestto the image, of the second positive lens subgroup Mp2 is preferablyconvex toward the image. This makes it easy to secure a bright F valuein the entire zoom lens system.

The intermediate group M preferably has at least one air lens havingnegative refractive power. As a result, the divergence action in theintermediate group M can be easily secured, and the spherical aberrationand the field curvature can be easily corrected more satisfactorily.Note that the refractive power of the air lens generates negativerefractive power or positive refractive power depending on the shapebetween lens surfaces disposed adjacent to each other with an air space.Since the zoom lens includes an air lens having negative refractivepower, the air lens has a shape similar to that of a positive lenshaving a biconvex shape, a planoconvex shape, or a positive meniscusshape.

In addition, in a case where the intermediate group M includes two ormore lens groups, it is easy to suppress the aberration fluctuation bychanging the space between the adjacent lens groups on the optical axisin zooming, so that a zoom lens with higher optical performance can beobtained. However, when the number of lens groups constituting theintermediate group M increases, it is difficult to obtain a compact zoomlens. Therefore, in order to obtain a compact zoom lens, the number oflens groups constituting the intermediate group M is preferably 3 orless.

For the cemented lens included in the intermediate group M, when lensesconstituting each cemented lens are lenses LCn (n=1, 2, 3, . . . ), itis preferable that the refractive power φLCn of each lens LCn satisfiesφLCn≥0.005. With this configuration, it is easy to enhance thedivergence action of the cemented surface of the cemented lens. Therefractive power φLCn is defined by the following equation: “n”represents the arrangement order of the lenses LCn in the intermediategroup M from the object side.

φLCn=|(NLCn−1)(1/LCnR1−1/LCnR2)|

where NLCn is a refractive index of the material of the lens LCn withrespect to d Line,

LCnR1 is a radius of curvature of an object side face of the lens LCn,and

LCnR2 is a radius of curvature of the image side face of the lens LCn,

where when the center of curvature of the lens surface is closer to theimage than the lens surface, the sign of the radius of curvature is setto positive, and when the center of curvature of the lens surface iscloser to the object than the lens surface, the sign of the radius ofcurvature is set to negative. The sign of the radius of curvature is thesame for other conditional expressions.

(4) Lens Group F

The lens group F is a focus group that moves on the optical axis infocusing. Since the pencil of light converged by the intermediate groupM is incident on the lens group F disposed on the image side of theintermediate group M, it is easy to have a small lens diameter and alightweight configuration. Therefore, by making the lens group F a focusgroup, high-speed autofocus can be realized, and the load of the focusdrive system can be easily reduced. A specific lens configuration of thelens group F is not particularly limited as long as the lens group F hasnegative refractive power as a whole, but it is more preferable that thelens group F is composed of only a cemented lens in which one negativelens and one positive lens are cemented. With such a configuration, itis easy to realize high-speed autofocus by reducing the weight of thefocus group and to obtain a high-performance zoom lens in which variousaberrations such as spherical aberration and a chromatic aberration aresatisfactorily corrected over the entire object distance.

(5) Rear Group R

The rear group R includes one or more lens groups. The rear group Rincludes a lens group disposed between the lens group F and the imageplane. The rear group R preferably has at least one lens group withnegative refractive power and preferably has negative refractive poweras a whole. With such a configuration, it is easy to obtain a zoom lenshaving a stronger telephoto tendency at the telephoto end, and it iseasy to shorten the overall optical length at the telephoto end. Therear group R may include two or more lens groups, but when the number oflens groups constituting the zoom lens increases, it is difficult toachieve miniaturization.

(6) Aperture Stop

The aperture stop is preferably disposed on the object side of theintermediate group M or in the intermediate group M. Specifically, it iseasy to reduce the effective diameter of the first lens group at thewide-angle end by disposing it adjacent to the intermediate group M,that is, the first positive lens subgroup Mp1, and closer to the objectthan the intermediate group M, that is, the first positive lens subgroupMp1.

1-2. Operation

(1) Zooming

The zoom lens magnifies by changing a space between adjacent lens groupson an optical axis in zooming. In zooming, for each lens group, thespace between the adjacent lens groups on the optical axis may bechanged, and all the lens groups may move along the optical axis, orsome of the lens groups may be fixed in the optical axis direction.

The presence or absence of movement of each lens group is notparticularly limited, but it is preferable that each of the first lensgroup, at least one lens group among the lens groups constituting theintermediate group M, and the lens group F move toward the object inzooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. When these lensgroups are moved in this way, the variable magnification effect of eachlens group after the second lens group is less likely to be excessive,and both high variable magnification and high performance are easilyachieved.

The second lens group preferably moves toward the image in zooming fromthe wide-angle end to the telephoto end. By moving the second lens grouptoward the image, it is easy to suppress the lens outer diameter of theintermediate group M at the telephoto end, and it is easy to reduce thediameter of the stop unit and to reduce the size and weight of the zoomlens.

In a case where the rear group R includes a lens group having negativerefractive power, the lens group having negative refractive powerpreferably moves toward the object in zooming from the wide-angle end tothe telephoto end. This movement in zooming can increase the variablemagnification effect of the rear group R. Therefore, the amount of themovement of each lens group can be reduced, and it is easy to obtain azoom lens that is more compact and has a high variable magnificationratio.

When the rear group R includes two or more lens groups, the lens group,of the rear group R, disposed at a position closest to the image ispreferably fixed on the optical axis in zooming in order to avoidcomplication of the cam structure of the lens barrel.

(2) Focusing

The zoom lens performs focusing from infinity to a short distance bymoving the lens group F to the image side along the optical axis. Thelens group F is disposed on the image side of the intermediate group M,that is, at the rear of the zoom lens. Therefore, by making the lensgroup F a focus group, it is possible to suppress the variation in theangle of view accompanying the movement of the focus group. Therefore,not only in the case of adopting the contrast AF method but also in thecase of adopting the image plane phase difference AF method, it ispossible to obtain a zoom lens suitable for capturing a moving image orthe like using the tracking AF function.

1-3. Conditional Expression

The zoom lens desirably has the above-described configuration andsatisfies at least one Conditional Expression described below.

−1.30≤fM/fMn1<0  (1)

where

fMn1 is a focal length of the first negative lens subgroup Mn1, and

fM is a composite focal length of the intermediate group M.

Conditional Expression (1) is a conditional expression for appropriatelysetting the ratio between the focal length of the intermediate group Mand the focal length of the first negative lens subgroup Mn1. Sphericalaberration and field curvature can be satisfactorily corrected in theentire zoom region by satisfying Conditional Expression (1). Therefore,even when strong positive refractive power is disposed in theintermediate group M, it is possible to satisfactorily correct theseaberrations, and to realize a compact zoom lens with high opticalperformance while achieving a large aperture ratio.

On the other hand, when the numerical value of Conditional Expression(1) is less than the lower limit value, the negative divergence actionby the first negative lens subgroup Mn1 is too strong, and it isdifficult to satisfactorily correct the spherical aberration and thefield curvature in a well-balanced manner. On the other hand, when thenumerical value of Conditional Expression (1) exceeds the upper limitvalue, the negative divergence action by the first negative lenssubgroup Mn1 decreases. When strong positive refractive power isdisposed in the intermediate group M, it is difficult to satisfactorilycorrect spherical aberration and field curvature that tend to be under.

In order to obtain the above effect, the value of Conditional Expression(1) is required to be negative, and the upper limit value of ConditionalExpression (1) is preferably −0.02 and more preferably −0.05. The lowerlimit value of Conditional Expression (1) is preferably −1.20, and morepreferably −1.10.

1-3-2. Conditional Expression (2)

0.15≤Rmf/ft≤0.70  (2)

where

Rmf is a radius of curvature of the lens surface, closest to the object,of the intermediate group M and

ft is a focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end.

Conditional Expression (2) is a conditional expression for appropriatelysetting the ratio between the radius of curvature of the lens surface,closest to the object, of the intermediate group M and the focal lengthof the zoom lens at the telephoto end. When Conditional Expression (2)is satisfied, the lens surface, closest to the object, of theintermediate group M is convex toward the object. When ConditionalExpression (2) is satisfied, it is easy to achieve a balance betweenreducing of the entire length and optical performance. Note that thelens surface, closest to the object, of the intermediate group M meansthe lens surface, closest to the object, of the first positive lenssubgroup Mp1.

On the other hand, when the numerical value of Conditional Expression(2) is less than the lower limit value, it is easy to reduce the overalllength, but the spherical aberration and the field curvature generatedin the lens surface, closest to the object, of the intermediate group Mtend to be strongly under, and it is difficult to satisfactorily correctthem. On the other hand, when the numerical value of ConditionalExpression (2) exceeds the upper limit value, in order to obtain a smallzoom lens while achieving a large aperture ratio, it is necessary tostrongly converge the pencil of light in the intermediate group M, andthus, the number of lenses having positive refractive power disposed inthe intermediate group M increases, and it is difficult to reduce theoverall length.

In order to obtain the above effect, the upper limit value ofConditional Expression (2) is preferably 0.65, more preferably 0.6, andstill more preferably 0.55. The lower limit value of ConditionalExpression (2) is preferably 0.20, and more preferably 0.25.

1-3-3. Conditional Expression (3)

−0.80≤Rmb/ft≤−0.15  (3)

where

Rmb is a radius of curvature of lens surface, closest to the image, ofthe intermediate group M and

ft is a focal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end.

Conditional Expression (3) is a conditional expression for appropriatelysetting the ratio between the radius of curvature of the lens surface,closest to the image, of the intermediate group M and the focal lengthof the zoom lens at the telephoto end. When Conditional Expression (3)is satisfied, the lens surface, closest to the image, of theintermediate group M is convex toward the image. When ConditionalExpression (3) is satisfied, it is easy to reduce the overall lengthwhile ensuring the desired brightness of the zoom lens. Note that thelens surface, closest to the image, of the intermediate group M meansthe lens surface, closest to the image, of the second positive lenssubgroup Mp2.

On the other hand, when the numerical value of Conditional Expression(3) is less than the lower limit value, it is difficult to secure thebrightness from the first lens group to the intermediate group M. On theother hand, when the numerical value of Conditional Expression (3)exceeds the upper limit value, it is easy to reduce the overall length,but the curvature of the lens surface, closest to the image, of theintermediate group M is too strong, and it is difficult tosatisfactorily correct the spherical aberration and the field curvature.

In order to obtain the above effect, the upper limit value ofConditional Expression (3) is preferably −0.20, and more preferably−0.25. The lower limit value of Conditional Expression (3) is preferably−0.75, more preferably −0.70, and still more preferably −0.65.

1-3-4. Conditional Expression (4) and Conditional Expression (5)

It is preferable that the intermediate group M, that is, the firstpositive lens subgroup Mp1, has the positive lens P at a positionclosest to the object, and the positive lens P simultaneously satisfiesfollowing Conditional Expressions (4) and (5):

0.01≤θgF−(−1.618×10⁻³ ×νd+0.6415)≤0.06  (4)

10≤νd≤35  (5)

where

when the refractive indexes of the positive lens P with respect to dLine, F Line, C Line, and g Line are nd, nF, nC, and ng, respectively,

θgF is a partial dispersion ratio θgF=(ng−nF)/(Nf−nC) of the positivelens P and

νd is an Abbe number νd=(nd−1)/(nF−nC) of the positive lens P withrespect to d Line.

Conditional Expression (4) is a conditional expression for defining theanomalous dispersibility of the material of the positive lens P.Conditional Expression (5) is a conditional expression for defining theAbbe number of the material of the positive lens P with respect to dLine. When the intermediate group M has the positive lens P thatsimultaneously satisfies Conditional Expression (4) and ConditionalExpression (5) at a position closest to the object, the longitudinalchromatic aberration can be satisfactorily corrected in the entire zoomregion. In general, a positive lens included in a lens group havingpositive refractive power corrects the chromatic aberration by using amaterial with low dispersion. However, in the intermediate group M ofthe zoom lens, the divergence action by a diverging surface is large,and the longitudinal chromatic aberration on a short wavelength sidetends to be over. Therefore, by using the positive lens P made of aglass material with the high dispersion, favorable chromatic aberrationcorrection is easy.

On the other hand, when the numerical value of Conditional Expression(4) is less than the lower limit or the numerical value of ConditionalExpression (5) exceeds the upper limit, the longitudinal chromaticaberration of F Line and g Line on the short wavelength side tends to beover, and the correction is difficult. On the other hand, when thenumerical value of Conditional Expression (4) exceeds the upper limitvalue or the numerical value of Conditional Expression (5) is less thanthe lower limit, the longitudinal chromatic aberration of F Line and gLine on the short wavelength side tends to be under, and the correctionis difficult.

In order to obtain the above effect, the upper limit value ofConditional Expression (4) is preferably 0.05. The lower limit value ofConditional Expression (4) is preferably 0.02, and more preferably 0.03.

In addition, in order to obtain the above effect, the upper limit valueof Conditional Expression (5) is preferably 30, more preferably 25, andstill more preferably 23. The lower limit value of ConditionalExpression (5) is preferably 15, and more preferably 18.

1-3-5. Conditional Expression (6)

0.3≤BFw/Y≤1.5  (6)

where

BFw is a back focus of the zoom lens at a wide-angle end, and is a valueobtained by converting a cover glass thickness to an air conversionlength, and

Y is a maximum image height of the zoom lens.

Conditional Expression (6) is a conditional expression for defining theratio between the back focus of the zoom lens and the maximum imageheight of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end. When ConditionalExpression (6) is satisfied, the back focus of the zoom lens at thewide-angle end can be shortened, and the entire length can be reduced.

When the numerical value of Conditional Expression (6) is less than thelower limit value, the back focus of the zoom lens at the wide-angle endis too short, and the inclination angle of the incident light on theimaging plane with respect to the optical axis is too large. On theother hand, when the numerical value of Conditional Expression (6)exceeds the upper limit value, the back focus of the zoom lens at thewide-angle end is too long, and it is difficult to reduce the overalllength of the zoom lens.

In order to obtain the above effect, the upper limit value ofConditional Expression (6) is preferably 1.3, more preferably 1.2, andstill more preferably 1.1. The lower limit value of ConditionalExpression (6) is preferably 0.4, more preferably 0.5, and still morepreferably 0.6.

2. Imaging apparatus

Next, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention will bedescribed. The imaging apparatus according to the present inventionincludes a zoom lens according to the present invention and an imagesensor that converts an optical image formed by the zoom lens into anelectrical signal. Note that the image sensor is preferably provided onthe image side of the zoom lens. As the image sensor, a charge coupleddevice (CCD) sensor, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)sensor, or the like can be suitably used.

Specifically, according to the zoom lens, the overall size is small andthe optical performance is excellent while the aperture ratio is large.In addition, the zoom lens can suppress a variation in an angle of viewdue to movement of a focus group, and is suitable for capturing a movingimage using a tracking AF function and the like not only in a case ofadopting a contrast AF method but also in a case of adopting an imageplane phase difference AF method. Therefore, by adopting the zoom lens,it is possible to obtain an imaging apparatus suitable for capturing amoving image having a tracking AF function.

Next, the present invention will be specifically described withreference to examples. However, the present invention is not limited tothe following examples.

Example 1 (1) Optical Configuration

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a zoom lens according to Example 1of the present invention at a wide-angle end in an in-focus state oninfinity. The zoom lens according to Example 1 includes, in order fromthe object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power,a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lensgroup G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 havingnegative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having negativerefractive power. The third lens group G3 corresponds to theintermediate group M. The fourth lens group G4 corresponds to the lensgroup F. The fifth lens group G5 corresponds to the rear group R.

In zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lensgroup G1 moves toward the object, the second lens group G2 moves towardthe image, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object, the fourthlens group G4 moves toward the object, and the fifth lens group G5 movestoward the object.

Focusing from an infinite-distance object to a short-distance object isperformed by the fourth lens group G4 (lens group F) moving toward theimage.

An aperture stop S is disposed adjacent to the third lens group G3 andcloser to the object than the third lens group G3.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each lens group will be described.

The first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a negative meniscus lens L1 and a biconvex lensL2 each having a convex surface facing an object are cemented, and apositive meniscus lens L3 having a convex surface facing an object.

The second lens group G2 includes, in order from the object side, anegative meniscus lens L4 with a convex surface facing an object, abiconvex lens L5, a biconcave lens L6, a cemented lens in which abiconcave lens L7 and a biconvex lens L8 are cemented, and a negativemeniscus lens L9 with a concave surface facing an object.

The third lens group G3 includes, in order from the object side, apositive meniscus lens L10 with a convex surface facing an object, apositive meniscus lens L11 with a convex surface facing an object, acemented lens in which three lenses of negative meniscus lens L12 with aconvex surface facing an object, a biconvex lens L13, and a biconcavelens L14 are cemented, a negative meniscus lens L15 with a concavesurface facing an object, and a biconvex lens L16. The negative meniscuslens L15 is a glass molded aspherical lens having a surface, facing anobject, in an aspherical shape. The biconvex lens L16 is a glass moldedaspherical lens having both surfaces in an aspherical shape. Thepositive meniscus lens L10 and the positive meniscus lens L11 constitutethe first positive lens subgroup Mp1. The positive meniscus lens L10 isthe positive lens P, and the object side face is convex toward theobject. A cemented lens in which three lenses of the negative meniscuslens L12, the biconvex lens L13, and the biconcave lens L14 are cementedconstitutes the first negative lens subgroup Mn1. The cemented surfacebetween the negative meniscus lens L12 and the biconvex lens L13 has aconvex surface facing an object. The negative meniscus lens L15constitutes the second negative lens subgroup Mn2. The biconvex lens L16constitutes the second positive lens subgroup Mp2. The image side faceof the biconvex lens L16 is convex toward the image. In addition, an airlens having a biconvex shape is formed between the biconcave lens L14and the negative meniscus lens L15, and has negative refractive power.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a cemented lens in which a biconvexlens L17 and a biconcave lens L18 are cemented.

The fifth lens group G5 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a negative meniscus lens L19 having a convexsurface facing an object and a biconvex lens L20 are cemented, and anegative meniscus lens L21 having a concave surface facing an object.The negative meniscus lens L21 is a glass molded aspherical lens havingboth surfaces in an aspherical shape.

Note that, in FIG. 1 , “IP” represents an image plane, and specificallyrepresents an imaging plane of an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or aCMOS sensor, a film face of a silver salt film, or the like. Inaddition, a parallel flat plate having no substantial refractive powersuch as a cover glass CG is provided on a face, of the image plane IP,facing the object. These points are similar in each lens cross-sectionalview shown in other examples, and thus the description thereof will beomitted below.

(2) Numerical Examples

Next, numerical examples to which specific numerical values of the zoomlens are applied will be described. Hereinafter, “lens data”,“specification table”, “variable space”, “lens group data”, and“aspherical coefficient” are illustrated. In addition, the values ofConditional Expressions (1) to (7) (Table 1), the values used to obtaineach Conditional Expression, and the value of φLCn of each example(Table 2) are collectively shown after Example 6.

In the “lens data”, “surface number” indicates the order of the lenssurface counted from the object side, “r” indicates a radius ofcurvature of the lens surface, “d” indicates a lens thickness or the airspace on the optical axis, “nd” indicates a refractive index withrespect to d Line (wavelength λ=587.56 nm), and “νd” indicates an Abbenumber with respect to d Line. In addition, in the field of “surfacenumber”, “ASPH” attached after the surface number indicates that thelens surface is an aspherical surface, and “S” indicates that thesurface is an aperture stop. In the field of “d”, “d(0)”, “d(5)”, andthe like mean that the space between the lens surfaces on the opticalaxis is a variable space that changes at the time of variablemagnification change. “∞” in the field of the radius of curvature meansinfinity, and means that the lens surface is a flat face. All the unitsof the length in the table are “mm”, and all the units of the angle ofview are “°”, and the same applies to the other tables.

In the “specification table”, “f” indicates a focal length of the zoomlens, “FNo.” indicates an F value, “ω” indicates a half angle of view,and “Y” indicates an image height. Values at a wide-angle end, anintermediate focal length, and a telephoto end are illustrated.

The “variable space” indicates values at the wide-angle end, theintermediate focal length, and the telephoto end in an in-focus state oninfinity and in an in-focus state on a short-distance object.

[Lens Group Data] Indicates the Focal Length of Each Lens Group.

The “aspherical coefficient” indicates an aspherical coefficient when anaspherical shape is defined as follows. x is an amount of displacementfrom the reference surface in the optical axis direction, r is aparaxial radius of curvature, H is a height from the optical axis in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis, k is a conic coefficient,and An is an n-th order aspherical coefficient. In the table of“aspherical coefficient”, “E±XX” represents an exponential notation andmeans “×10^(XX)”.

$\begin{matrix}{x = {\frac{H^{2}/r}{1 + \sqrt{1 - {\left( {1 + k} \right)\left( {H/r} \right)^{2}}}} + {A_{4}H^{4}} + {A_{6}H^{6}} + {A_{8}H^{8}} + {A_{10}H^{10}} + {A_{12}H^{12}}}} & \left\lbrack {{Math}1} \right\rbrack\end{matrix}$

Since the matters in each of these tables are the same in each of thetables shown in other Examples, the description thereof will be omittedbelow.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 illustrate longitudinal aberration diagrams of thezoom lens at the wide-angle end, the intermediate focal length, and thetelephoto end in an in-focus state on infinity. The longitudinalaberration diagram illustrated in each drawing is a spherical aberration(mm), an astigmatism (mm), and a distortion (%) in order from the leftside. In the spherical aberration diagram, the solid line indicates aspherical aberration with respect to d Line (wavelength: 587.56 nm), thebroken line indicates a spherical aberration with respect to the C-line(wavelength: 656.28 nm), and the dash-dot line indicates a sphericalaberration with respect to g Line (wavelength: 435.84 nm). In theastigmatism diagram, the vertical axis represents a half angle of view(ω), the horizontal axis represents a defocus, the solid Line indicatesa sagittal image plane (ds) of d Line, and the broken line indicates ameridional image plane (dm) of d Line. In the distortion diagram, thevertical axis represents a half angle of view (ω), and the horizontalaxis represents a distortion. These matters are the same in theaberration diagrams illustrated in other Examples, and thus thedescription thereof will be omitted below.

[Lens Data] Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ d(0)  1 192.42821.5000 1.91082 35.25  2 100.0065 10.0532 1.49700 81.61  3 −252.24170.2000  4 71.5654 6.5650 1.49700 81.61  5 192.2789 d(5)  6 83.76311.5000 1.87070 40.73  7 28.8102 8.6177  8 520.2462 4.1099 1.80518 25.46 9 −79.0552 0.4606 10 −180.0295 1.2000 1.87070 40.73 11 128.0584 4.055412 −37.2450 1.2000 1.59282 68.62 13 46.6295 5.0613 1.91082 35.25 14−120.2559 1.9148 15 −42.1599 1.2000 1.72916 54.67 16 −83.9970 d(16) 17S∞ 1.2000 18 38.6389 5.2507 1.92286 20.88 19 120.0000 0.1500 20 35.43745.0901 1.59282 68.62 21 97.2289 0.4000 22 96.5811 1.3000 1.84666 23.7823 19.5924 13.1150 1.61800 63.39 24 −28.9537 1.3000 1.90366 31.31 25150.9663 2.2521 26ASPH −112.3666 1.5000 1.80625 40.91 27 −14100.52770.2067 28ASPH 40.3440 7.2282 1.77377 47.17 29ASPH −38.9138 d(29) 30105.0374 3.0753 1.92286 20.88 31 −93.2811 0.9000 1.80100 34.97 3227.9385 d(32) 33 55.5333 1.2000 1.91082 35.25 34 18.9288 9.5794 1.5927035.31 35 −48.7564 6.1999 36ASPH −23.1657 1.8000 1.69350 53.18 37ASPH−77.5216 d(37) 38 ∞ 2.5000 1.51680 64.20 39 ∞ 1.0000 Image plane ∞

[Specification Table] Wide-angle Telephoto end Intermediate end f36.0267 74.9717 145.5296 FNo. 2.0604 2.6090 2.9089 ω 30.9716 15.37208.0578 Y 21.6330 21.6330 21.6330

[Variable space] Wide-angle Telephoto Wide-angle Telephoto endIntermediate end end Intermediate end d(0) ∞ ∞ ∞ 626.8162 611.5614586.0399 d(5) 1.0000 29.0327 59.7393 1.0000 29.0327 59.7393 d(16)34.1032 11.6612 1.3000 34.1032 11.6612 1.3000 d(29) 2.2957 5.3936 3.49623.1957 8.3197 11.9612 d(32) 9.3997 9.8819 13.0383 8.4997 6.9558 4.5732d(37) 13.5000 19.5839 23.5011 13.5000 19.5839 23.5011

[Lens group data] Group No. Focal length G1 142.9320 G2 −30.6227 G332.3890 G4 −55.4052 G5 −136.9750

[Aspherical Coefficient] Surface number k A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 26 −4.7618−1.12558E−05 −5.41558E−09  2.44928E−11 6.66569E−15 −8.00140E−17 28−2.2576 −4.43682E−06 −2.17277E−09 −1.47235E−11 7.75635E−14 −1.53877E−1629 0.0000 −1.98686E−06  3.48149E−09 −1.33604E−11 6.20532E−14−1.57248E−16 36 −0.5742  3.82990E−06  1.75904E−08 −4.02738E−101.60174E−12 −2.66841E−15 37 0.0000 −6.60728E−06 −1.46925E−09−2.17773E−10 7.57891E−13 −1.17814E−15

Example 2 (1) Optical Configuration

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a zoom lens according to Example 2of the present invention at a wide-angle end in an in-focus state oninfinity. The zoom lens according to Example 2 includes, in order fromthe object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power,a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lensgroup G3 having positive refractive power, a fourth lens group G4 havingnegative refractive power, and a fifth lens group G5 having negativerefractive power. The third lens group G3 corresponds to theintermediate group M. The fourth lens group G4 corresponds to the lensgroup F. The fifth lens group G5 corresponds to the rear group R.

In zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lensgroup G1 moves toward the object, the second lens group G2 moves towardthe image, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object, the fourthlens group G4 moves toward the object, and the fifth lens group G5 movestoward the object.

Focusing from an infinite-distance object to a short-distance object isperformed by the fourth lens group G4 (lens group F) moving toward theimage.

An aperture stop S is disposed adjacent to the third lens group G3 andcloser to the object than the third lens group G3.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each lens group will be described.

The first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a negative meniscus lens L1 and a biconvex lensL2 each having a convex surface facing an object are cemented, and apositive meniscus lens L3 having a convex surface facing an object.

The second lens group G2 includes, in order from the object side, thenegative meniscus lens L4 having a convex surface facing an object, acemented lens in which the biconcave lens L5 and the biconvex lens L6are cemented, and a negative meniscus lens L7 having a concave surfacefacing an object. The negative meniscus lens L4 is a composite resinmolded aspherical lens on which a composite resin film molded in anaspherical shape facing an object is attached.

The third lens group G3 includes, in order from the object side, apositive meniscus lens L8 with a convex surface facing an object, abiconvex lens L9, a cemented lens in which a biconcave lens L10 and thepositive meniscus lens L11 with a convex surface facing an object arecemented, a cemented lens in which a biconcave lens L12 and the biconvexlens L13 are cemented, a biconvex lens L14, and a positive meniscus lensL15 with a convex surface facing an object. The biconvex lens L9 is aglass molded aspherical lens having both surfaces in an asphericalshape. The biconvex lens L14 is a glass molded aspherical lens havingboth surfaces in an aspherical shape. The positive meniscus lens L8 andthe biconvex lens L9 constitute the first positive lens subgroup Mp1.The positive meniscus lens L8 is the positive lens P, and the objectside face is convex toward the object. A cemented lens in whichbiconcave lens L10 and positive meniscus lens L11 are cementedconstitutes the first negative lens subgroup Mn1. The cemented surfaceof the cemented lens has a convex surface facing an object. The cementedlens in which the biconcave lens L12 and the biconvex lens L13 arecemented constitutes the second negative lens subgroup Mn2. The biconvexlens L14 and the positive meniscus lens L15 constitute the secondpositive lens subgroup Mp2. In addition, an air lens having a biconvexshape is formed between the positive meniscus lens L11 and the biconcavelens L12, and has negative refractive power.

A fourth lens group G4 includes a cemented lens in which the biconvexlens L16 and a biconcave lens L17 are cemented.

The fifth lens group G5 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a negative meniscus lens L18 having a convexsurface facing an object and a biconvex lens L19 are cemented, and anegative meniscus lens L20 having a concave surface facing an object.The negative meniscus lens L20 is a glass molded aspherical lens havingboth surfaces in an aspherical shape.

(2) Numerical Examples

Next, numerical examples to which specific numerical values of the zoomlens are applied will be described. Hereinafter, “lens data”,“specification table”, “variable space”, “lens group data”, and“aspherical coefficient” are illustrated. FIGS. 6 to 8 illustratelongitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end,the intermediate focal length, and the telephoto end in an in-focusstate on infinity.

[Lens Data] Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ d(0)  1 145.94941.5000 1.91082 35.25  2 83.3622 9.0822 1.49700 81.61  3 −2840.78600.2000  4 81.0894 7.9479 1.49700 81.61  5 1168.1206 d(5)  6ASPH 135.28900.1800 1.51460 49.96  7 86.2642 1.5000 1.83481 42.72  8 29.7292 12.2200 9 −48.9515 1.3000 1.55032 75.50 10 42.1316 6.5000 1.85025 30.05 11−110.1752 4.9204 12 −30.5776 1.2000 1.75500 52.32 13 −63.4894 d(13) 14S∞ 1.2000 15 43.5524 4.5077 1.92286 20.88 16 144.9998 0.3619 17ASPH33.9965 7.4165 1.69350 53.18 18ASPH −124.7641 0.2000 19 −700.0000 1.20001.84666 23.78 20 21.7021 6.9802 1.49700 81.61 21 303.0657 2.4810 22−50.7442 1.2000 1.90366 31.31 23 49.9653 4.7458 1.49700 81.61 24−107.3634 0.2000 25 37.9205 7.2355 1.63930 44.87 26 −48.1484 0.200027ASPH 48.6112 2.2908 1.85135 40.10 28ASPH 109.5210 d(28) 29 67.50332.6442 1.92286 20.88 30 −1897.7939 0.9000 1.83481 42.72 31 23.7581 d(31)32 111.0428 1.2000 1.90366 31.31 33 22.3542 8.0792 1.63980 34.47 34−47.3375 6.1126 35ASPH −22.3258 1.8000 1.69350 53.18 36ASPH −59.5481d(36) 37 ∞ 2.5000 1.51680 64.20 38 ∞ 1.0000 Image plane ∞

[Specification Table] Wide-angle end Intermediate Telephoto end f36.0230 74.9830 145.6157 FNo. 2.0602 2.5529 2.9033 ω 30.9602 15.36728.0607 Y 21.6330 21.6330 21.6330

[Variable space] Wide-angle Telephoto Wide-angle Telephoto endIntermediate end end Intermediate end d(0) ∞ ∞ ∞ 628.9852 618.3808589.9625 d(5) 1.0000 27.1468 58.8735 1.0000 27.1468 58.8735 d(13)34.3410 9.5673 1.3000 34.3410 9.5673 1.3000 d(28) 1.4985 4.9803 2.20402.2671 7.5532 9.1951 d(31) 9.6695 10.5918 13.2870 8.9009 8.0189 6.2959d(36) 13.5000 18.3273 23.3673 13.5000 18.3273 23.3673

[Lens group data] Group No. Focal length G1 140.4610 G2 −30.5472 G331.5372 G4 −48.7235 G5 −122.8010

[Aspherical Coefficient] Surface number k A4 A6 A8 A10 A12  6 0.0000 2.89963E−06 −5.51989E−10  7.77888E−12 −1.63823E−14  2.04260E−17 17−0.1449  5.07906E−07  7.70271E−10 −1.64591E−14 −2.42516E−15 −1.78380E−1818 0.0000  6.18574E−06 −5.88755E−09 −6.00957E−13  1.47022E−14−1.55981E−17 27 2.1900 −5.30197E−07 −2.91735E−08  2.10024E−10−1.92044E−12  2.73199E−15 28 0.0000  1.12776E−05 −2.44800E−08 2.80217E−10 −2.44970E−12  4.02006E−15 35 −0.3058 −9.39037E−07 9.78413E−08 −8.59775E−10  2.96318E−12 −5.69564E−15 36 0.0000−1.07823E−05  4.00794E−08 −3.65098E−10  8.64536E−13 −1.17458E−15

Example 3 (1) Optical Configuration

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a zoom lens according to Example 3of the present invention at a wide-angle end in an in-focus state oninfinity; The zoom lens according to Example 3 includes, in order fromthe object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power,a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lensgroup G3 having positive refractive power, the fourth lens group G4having positive refractive power, the fifth lens group G5 havingnegative refractive power, and a sixth lens group G6 having negativerefractive power. Intermediate group M includes the third lens group G3and the fourth lens group G4. The fifth lens group G5 corresponds to thelens group F. The sixth lens group G6 corresponds to the rear group R.

In zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lensgroup G1 moves toward the object, the second lens group G2 moves towardthe image, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object, the fourthlens group G4 moves toward the object, the fifth lens group G5 movestoward the object, and the sixth lens group G6 moves toward the object.

Focusing from an infinite-distance object to a short-distance object isperformed by the fifth lens group G5 (lens group F) moving toward theimage.

An aperture stop S is disposed adjacent to the third lens group G3 andcloser to the object than the third lens group G3.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each lens group will be described.

The first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which the negative meniscus lens L1 having a convexsurface facing an object and a positive meniscus lens L2 having a convexsurface facing an object are cemented, and the positive meniscus lens L3having a convex surface facing an object.

The second lens group G2 includes, in order from the object side, thenegative meniscus lens L4 having a convex surface facing an object, abiconcave lens L5, a biconvex lens L6, and the negative meniscus lens L7having a concave surface facing an object. The negative meniscus lens L7is a glass molded aspherical lens having a surface, facing the image, inan aspherical shape.

The third lens group G3 includes, in order from the object side, thepositive meniscus lens L8 with a convex surface facing an object, thebiconvex lens L9, a cemented lens in which a negative meniscus lens L10with a convex surface facing an object and positive meniscus lens L11with a convex surface facing an object are cemented, a cemented lens inwhich a biconvex lens L12 and a negative meniscus lens L13 with aconcave surface facing an object are cemented, and a negative meniscuslens L14 with a concave surface facing an object. The negative meniscuslens L14 is a glass molded aspherical lens having both surfaces in anaspherical shape. The positive meniscus lens L8 and the biconvex lens L9constitute the first positive lens subgroup Mp1. The positive meniscuslens L8 is the positive lens P, and the object side face is convextoward the object. A cemented lens in which the negative meniscus lensL10 and the positive meniscus lens L11 are cemented constitutes thefirst negative lens subgroup Mn1. The cemented surface with the cementedlens has a convex surface facing an object. A cemented lens in which thebiconvex lens L12 and the negative meniscus lens L13 are cemented andthe negative meniscus lens L14 constitute the second negative lenssubgroup Mn2. An air lens having a positive meniscus shape with a convexsurface facing an object is formed between the positive meniscus lensL11 and the biconvex lens L12. Similarly, an air lens having a positivemeniscus shape with a concave surface facing an object is formed betweenthe negative meniscus lens L13 and the negative meniscus lens L14. Allof these air lenses have negative refractive power.

The fourth lens group G4 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a biconvex lens L15 and a negative meniscus lensL16 having a concave surface facing an object are cemented, and thebiconvex lens L17. The biconvex lens L17 is a glass molded asphericallens having both surfaces in an aspherical shape. The fourth lens groupconstitutes the second positive lens subgroup Mp2. The image side faceof the biconvex lens L17 is convex toward the image.

The fifth lens group G5 includes the negative meniscus lens L18 having aconvex surface facing an object.

The sixth lens group G6 includes, in order from the object side, thebiconvex lens L19, the negative meniscus lens L20 having a concavesurface facing an object, and the negative meniscus lens L21 having aconcave surface facing an object. The negative meniscus lens L21 is aglass molded aspherical lens having both surfaces in an asphericalshape.

(2) Numerical Examples

Next, numerical examples to which specific numerical values of the zoomlens are applied will be described. Hereinafter, “lens data”,“specification table”, “variable space”, “lens group data”, and“aspherical coefficient” are illustrated. FIGS. 10 to 12 illustratelongitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end,the intermediate focal length, and the telephoto end in an in-focusstate on infinity.

[Lens Data] Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ d(0)  1 146.13661.5000 1.83400 37.34  2 81.7552 9.3137 1.49700 81.61  3 861.3257 0.2000 4 82.7093 8.3556 1.49700 81.61  5 676.6604 d(5)  6 85.3165 1.30001.83481 42.72  7 25.6981 7.5590  8 −142.6415 1.0000 1.74320 49.34  955.4796 0.2000 10 47.2962 6.3639 1.85478 24.80 11 −113.4071 7.0406 12−37.5431 1.2000 1.69350 53.18 13ASPH −134.4780 d(13) 14S ∞ 1.2000 1563.2111 2.9054 1.92286 20.88 16 226.7728 0.2000 17 38.8943 4.97731.59282 68.62 18 −1849.7343 1.4534 19 29.4393 0.9000 1.85478 24.80 2018.5276 4.1898 1.49700 81.61 21 29.5363 3.1986 22 855.4291 5.18411.61800 63.39 23 −25.1253 0.9000 1.90366 31.31 24 −91.9678 2.3316 25ASPH−26.3081 1.2000 1.80139 45.45 26ASPH −167.3759 d(26) 27 31.8380 8.83671.61800 63.39 28 −31.7511 1.0000 1.90366 31.31 29 −50.0420 0.2000 30ASPH44.2400 3.9298 1.69350 53.18 31ASPH −78.2641 d(31) 32 58.2654 0.90001.74320 49.34 33 21.9303 d(33) 34 744.8727 4.4762 1.85478 24.80 3537.2427 0.2000 36 −51.7059 0.9000 1.69680 55.46 37 1480.1035 4.792038ASPH −26.0320 1.5000 1.69350 53.18 39ASPH −126.4177 d(39) 40 ∞ 2.50001.51680 64.20 41 ∞ 1.0000 Image plane ∞

[Specification Table] Wide-angle end Intermediate Telephoto end f36.0059 74.9901 145.7846 FNo. 2.9006 2.8998 2.8998 ω 31.1279 15.62928.1277 Y 21.6330 21.6330 21.6330

[Variable space] Wide-angle Telephoto Wide-angle Telephoto endIntermediate end end Intermediate end d(0) ∞ ∞ ∞ 635.0001 611.8245580.0000 d(5) 0.8000 29.1008 69.2054 0.8000 29.1008 69.2054 d(13)29.3573 11.3694 1.4150 29.3573 11.3694 1.4150 d(26) 2.2384 1.2452 1.10002.2384 1.2452 1.1000 d(31) 1.4465 1.9362 1.3013 2.1191 3.6157 6.5754d(33) 14.7502 14.2606 14.8955 14.0776 12.5811 9.6214 d(39) 13.499927.3558 29.1753 13.4999 27.3558 29.1753

[Lens group data] Group No. Focal length G1 159.7390 G2 −31.9650 G3126.1290 G4 20.7425 G5 −47.8230 G6 −104.4690

[Aspherical Coefficient] Surface number k A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 13 0.0000−2.65487E−06 −1.22600E−10 −2.58257E−12 −4.62558E−15 0.00000E+00 250.5134  1.97238E−05 −2.13070E−08  7.83567E−11 −1.98213E−14 5.86672E−1626 0.0000  7.14119E−06 −2.93204E−08  3.91664E−11 −1.04289E−130.00000E+00 30 −0.6513 −1.39550E−05 −3.65922E−08  3.26993E−10−2.28508E−12 7.69238E−15 31 0.0000 −1.03345E−05 −5.83570E−08 5.03203E−10 −2.90518E−12 8.96723E−15 38 0.0000 −1.93371E−05 1.06017E−07 −2.76968E−10  1.71864E−13 0.00000E+00 39 0.0000−2.32872E−05  8.81158E−08 −2.48036E−10  2.09154E−13 0.00000E+00

Example 4 (1) Optical Configuration

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the zoom lens according to Example4 of the present invention at the wide-angle end in an in-focus state oninfinity. The zoom lens according to Example 4 includes, in order fromthe object side, the first lens group G1 having positive refractivepower, the second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, thethird lens group G3 having positive refractive power, the fourth lensgroup G4 having negative refractive power, the fifth lens group G5having positive refractive power, the sixth lens group G6 havingnegative refractive power, and a seventh lens group G7 having negativerefractive power. The intermediate group M includes the third lens groupG3, the fourth lens group G4, and the fifth lens group G5. The sixthlens group G6 corresponds to the lens group F. The seventh lens group G7corresponds to the rear group R.

In zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lensgroup G1 moves toward the object, the second lens group G2 moves towardthe image, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object, the fourthlens group G4 moves toward the object, the fifth lens group G5 movestoward the object, the sixth lens group G6 moves toward the object, andthe seventh lens group G7 moves toward the object.

Focusing from an infinite-distance object to a short-distance object isperformed by the sixth lens group G6 (lens group F) moving toward theimage. An aperture stop S is disposed adjacent to the third lens groupG3 and closer to the object than the third lens group G3.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each lens group will be described.

The first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which the negative meniscus lens L1 having a convexsurface facing an object and a positive meniscus lens L2 having a convexsurface facing an object are cemented, and the positive meniscus lens L3having a convex surface facing an object.

The second lens group G2 includes, in order from the object side, thenegative meniscus lens L4 having a convex surface facing an object, abiconcave lens L5, a biconvex lens L6, and the negative meniscus lens L7having a concave surface facing an object. The negative meniscus lens L7is a glass molded aspherical lens having a surface, facing the image, inan aspherical shape.

The third lens group G3 includes, in order from the object side, thepositive meniscus lens L8 with a convex surface facing an object, thepositive meniscus lens L9 with a convex surface facing an object, acemented lens in which the negative meniscus lens L10 with a convexsurface facing an object and the positive meniscus lens L11 with aconvex surface facing an object are cemented, and a negative meniscuslens L12 with a concave surface facing an object. The negative meniscuslens L12 is a glass molded aspherical lens having a surface, facing anobject, in an aspherical shape. The positive meniscus lens L8 and thepositive meniscus lens L9 constitute the first positive lens subgroupMp1. The positive meniscus lens L8 is the positive lens P, and theobject side face is convex toward the object. A cemented lens in whichthe negative meniscus lens L10 and the positive meniscus lens L11 arecemented constitutes the first negative lens subgroup Mn1. The cementedsurface of the cemented lens has a convex surface facing an object. Inaddition, an air lens having a biconvex shape is formed between thepositive meniscus lens L11 and the negative meniscus lens L12, and hasnegative refractive power.

The fourth lens group G4 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a positive meniscus lens L13 having a concavesurface facing an object and the biconcave lens L14 are cemented. Thenegative meniscus lens L12 included in third lens group G3 and thefourth lens group G4 constitute the second negative lens subgroup Mn2.In the present example, the second negative lens subgroup Mn2 includes avariable space in zooming.

The fifth lens group G5 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which the biconvex lens L15 and the negative meniscuslens L16 having a concave surface facing an object are cemented, and thebiconvex lens L17. The biconvex lens L17 is a glass molded asphericallens having both surfaces in an aspherical shape. The fifth lens groupG5 constitutes the second positive lens subgroup Mp2. The image sideface of the biconvex lens L17 is convex toward the image.

The sixth lens group G6 includes the negative meniscus lens L18 having aconvex surface facing an object.

The seventh lens group G7 includes, in order from the object side, thebiconvex lens L19, a biconcave lens L20, and the negative meniscus lensL21 with a concave surface facing an object. The negative meniscus lensL21 is a glass molded aspherical lens having both surfaces in anaspherical shape.

(2) Numerical Examples

Next, numerical examples to which specific numerical values of the zoomlens are applied will be described. Hereinafter, “lens data”,“specification table”, “variable space”, “lens group data”, and“aspherical coefficient” are illustrated. FIGS. 14 to 16 illustratelongitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end,the intermediate focal length, and the telephoto end in an in-focusstate on infinity.

[Lens Data] Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ d(0)  1 139.27431.5000 1.83400 37.34  2 80.8526 8.8653 1.49700 81.61  3 803.6530 0.2000 4 81.1675 7.9247 1.49700 81.61  5 583.4053 d(5)  6 87.4206 1.10001.83481 42.72  7 25.7644 7.8524  8 −119.3781 0.8000 1.74320 49.34  967.2695 0.2000 10 51.6133 7.0019 1.85478 24.80 11 −115.7829 6.8773 12−39.5414 0.9000 1.69350 53.18 13ASPH −141.6106 d(13) 14S ∞ 1.2000 1561.7151 3.2551 1.92286 20.88 16 416.2702 0.2000 17 34.7681 4.93781.69680 55.46 18 276.0065 0.2000 19 44.9113 0.9000 1.90366 31,31 2019.2137 6.2102 1.49700 81.61 21 94.1309 4.8400 22ASPH −30.3282 1.00001.88202 37.22 23 −93.5565 d(23) 24 −1065.8143 2.4898 1.61800 63.39 25−80.2742 1.0000 1.80000 29.84 26 103.2242 d(26) 27 29.4295 7.83401.61800 63.39 28 −43.6080 1.0000 1.92286 20.88 29 −68.8061 0.2000 30ASPH42.2696 4.0064 1.69350 53.18 31ASPH −77.3433 d(31) 32 57.6851 0.90001.80100 34.97 33 21.1862 d(33) 34 199.3862 5.2186 1.92286 20.88 35−38.7197 0.2000 36 −55.4247 0.9000 1.78800 47.37 37 108.8800 5.652538ASPH −30.2311 1.5000 1.69350 53.18 39ASPH −105.6295 d(39) 40 ∞ 2.50001.51680 64.20 41 ∞ 1.0000 image plane ∞

[Specification Table] Wide-angle end Intermediate Telephoto end f36.0004 74.9885 145.7856 FNo. 2.9001 2.8997 2.9998 ω 31.0270 15.51278.1372 Y 21.6330 21.6330 21.6330

[Variable space] Wide-angle Telephoto Wide-angle Telephoto endIntermediate end end Intermediate end d(0) ∞ ∞ ∞ 635.0001 615.1959585.5508 d(5) 0.8000 29.7508 64.2989 0.8000 29.7508 64.2989 d(13)30.8194 11.3507 1.4257 30.8194 11.3507 1.4257 d(23) 1.7599 1.5879 1.00001.7599 1.5879 1.0000 d(26) 2.3709 1.0000 1.0000 2.3709 1.0000 1.0000d(31) 1.2999 2.3225 1.3010 1.8804 3.9105 5.7542 d(33) 14.0840 13.061314.0828 13.5035 11.4734 9.6297 d(39) 13.4999 25.3650 30.9748 13.499925.3650 30.9748

[Lens group data] Group No. Focal length G1 155.0100 G2 −32.1233 G371.8735 G4 −94.1760 G5 20.7231 G6 −42.2663 G7 −124.0100

[Aspherical Coefficient] Surface number k A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 13 0.0000−2.26600E−06 −5.89495E−10 −1.04773E−13 −7.05346E−17 0.00000E+00 221.2368  1.14559E−05  7.55290E−09  6.15810E−11 −2.59015E−13 7.36037E−1630 0.9420 −1.82076E−05 −6.83016E−08  4.75485E−10 −3.01866E−129.80190E−15 31 0.0000  7.35164E−06 −8.00142E−08  6.57393E−10 3.71202E−12 1.11947E−14 38 0.0000 −4.76863E−05  1.79181E−07−4.00126E−10 −2.13880E−13 0.00000E+00 39 0.0000 −4.65785E−05 1.80790E−07 −5.00836E−10  3.72019E−13 0.00000E+00

Example 5 (1) Optical Configuration

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the zoom lens according to Example5 of the present invention at the wide-angle end in an in-focus state oninfinity. The Zoom lens according to Example 5 includes, in order fromthe object side, the first lens group G1 having positive refractivepower, the second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, thethird lens group G3 having positive refractive power, the fourth lensgroup G4 having negative refractive power, and the fifth lens group G5having positive refractive power. The third lens group G3 corresponds tothe intermediate group M. The fourth lens group G4 corresponds to thelens group F. The fifth lens group G5 corresponds to the rear group R.

In zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lensgroup G1 moves toward the object, the second lens group G2 moves towardthe image, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object, the fourthlens group G4 moves toward the object, and the fifth lens group G5 movestoward the object.

Focusing from an infinite-distance object to a short-distance object isperformed by the fourth lens group G4 (lens group F) moving toward theimage.

An aperture stop S is disposed adjacent to the third lens group G3 andcloser to the object than the third lens group G3.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each lens group will be described.

The first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a negative meniscus lens L1 and a biconvex lensL2 each having a convex surface facing an object are cemented, and apositive meniscus lens L3 having a convex surface facing an object.

The second lens group G2 includes, in order from the object side, thenegative meniscus lens L4 having a convex surface facing an object, acemented lens in which the biconcave lens L5 and the biconvex lens L6are cemented, and a negative meniscus lens L7 having a concave surfacefacing an object. The negative meniscus lens L7 is a glass moldedaspherical lens having a surface, facing the image, in an asphericalshape.

The third lens group G3 includes, in order from the object side, thepositive meniscus lens L8 with a convex surface facing an object, apositive meniscus lens L9 with a convex surface facing an object,cemented lens in which three lenses of the negative meniscus lens L10with a convex surface facing an object, a biconvex lens L11, and thebiconcave lens L12 are cemented, the negative meniscus lens L13 with aconcave surface facing an object, the biconvex lens L14, and thebiconvex lens L15. The negative meniscus lens L13 is a glass moldedaspherical lens having both surfaces in an aspherical shape. Thebiconvex lens L15 is a glass molded aspherical lens having both surfacesin an aspherical shape. The positive meniscus lens L8 and the positivemeniscus lens L9 constitute the first positive lens subgroup Mp1. Thepositive meniscus lens L8 is the positive lens P, and the object sideface is convex toward the object. A cemented lens in which three lensesof the negative meniscus lens L10, the biconvex lens L11, and thebiconcave lens L12 are cemented constitutes the first negative lenssubgroup Mn1. The cemented surface between the negative meniscus lensL10 and the biconvex lens L11 has a convex surface facing an object. Thenegative meniscus lens L13 constitutes the second negative lens subgroupMn2. The biconvex lens L14 and the biconvex lens L15 constitute thesecond positive lens subgroup Mp2. The image side face of the biconvexlens L15 is convex toward the image. In addition, an air lens having abiconvex shape is formed between the biconcave lens L12 and the negativemeniscus lens L13, and has negative refractive power.

A fourth lens group G4 includes a cemented lens in which the biconvexlens L16 and a biconcave lens L17 are cemented.

The fifth lens group G5 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which a negative meniscus lens L18 having a convexsurface facing an object and a biconvex lens L19 are cemented, and anegative meniscus lens L20 having a concave surface facing an object.The negative meniscus lens L20 is a glass molded aspherical lens havingboth surfaces in an aspherical shape.

(2) Numerical Examples

Next, numerical examples to which specific numerical values of the zoomlens are applied will be described. Hereinafter, “lens data”,“specification table”, “variable space”, “lens group data”, and“aspherical coefficient” are illustrated. FIGS. 18 to 20 illustratelongitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end,the intermediate focal length, and the telephoto end in an in-focusstate on infinity.

[Lens Data] Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ d(0)  1 297.57311.5000 1.92119 23.96  2 137.7580 7.9005 1.59282 68.62  3 −281.15780.2000  4 67.1396 5.5565 1.59282 68.62  5 137.6200 0(5)  6 132.87961.2000 1.88300 40.80  7 23.3857 7.6843  8 −81.8769 1.2000 1.75500 52.32 9 25.0947 12.3276 1.78880 28.43 10 −45.9757 3.0568 11 −29.1025 1.20001.85135 40.10 12ASPH −73.0620 d(12) 13S ∞ 1.2000 14 63.4705 2.89621.92286 20.88 15 200.0000 0.2000 16 28.0309 7.3539 1.61800 63.39 17170.0544 0.3589 18 43.3025 1.2000 1.85478 24.80 19 19.4226 8.69871.59282 68.62 20 −68.0000 1.2000 1.90366 31.31 21 40.4480 3.5558 22ASPH−79.5113 1.2000 1.88202 37.22 23ASPH −244.9386 0.2000 24 29.6110 7.17541.61800 63.39 25 −50.0966 0.2000 26ASPH 1444.6811 2.5223 1.88202 37.2227ASPH −78.0022 d(27) 28 222.4190 3.0223 1.92119 23.96 29 −48.07920.9000 1.78800 47.37 30 22.7893 d(30) 31 51.4100 1.5000 1.90366 31.31 3221.4867 8.6463 1.60562 43.71 33 −50.6655 6.4054 34ASPH −24.4947 1.50001.69350 53.18 35ASPH −62.5408 d(35) 36 ∞ 2.5000 1.51680 64.2 37 ∞ 1.0000image plane ∞

[Specification Table] Wide-angle end Intermediate Telephoto end f28.8086 49.9831 101.8857 FNo. 2.9114 2.9094 2.9097 ω 38.4220 22.491711.4289 Y 21.6330 21.6330 21.6330

[Variable space] Wide-angle Telephoto Wide-angle Telephoto endIntermediate end end Intermediate end d(0) ∞ ∞ ∞ 640.0000 632.4574605.4345 d(5) 1.0000 19.8699 48.7357 1.0000 19.8699 48.7357 d(12)30.4980 12.5471 1.3000 30.4980 12.5471 1.3000 d(27) 1.4949 5.7522 7.60841.9137 6.8779 11.1287 d(30) 8.2462 8.6536 12.0080 7.8274 7.5279 8.4877d(35) 13.5000 15.4589 19.6524 13.5000 15.4589 19.6524

[Lens group data] Group No. Focal length G1 133.6850 G2 −24.0282 G329.3072 G4 −36.5784 G5 1654.2900

[Aspherical Coefficient] Surface number k A4 A6 A8 A10 A12 12 0.0000−3.71224E−06 −7.54248E−10 −8.10446E−12  1.58508E−14 0.00000E+00 228.7544 −3.73634E−06 −9.94629E−08  2.10401E−10  2.38821E−13 5.85973E−1623 0.0000  2.23671E−05 −1.20692E−07  7.69895E−11  5.84925E−130.00000E+00 26 0.0000  2.26546E−05 −9.98620E−08  2.72553E−10−2.12889E−12 5.61288E−15 27 0.0000  1.70547E−05 −3.84960E−08 3.62167E−10 −2.64544E−12 6.48480E−15 34 0.0000  2.24163E−06 9.38154E−08 −2.94316E−10  1.98794E−13 0.00000E+00 35 0.0000−1.23427E−05  6.39381E−08 −2.28462E−10  1.27360E−13 0.00000E+00

Example 6 (1) Optical Configuration

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the zoom lens according to Example6 of the present invention at the wide-angle end in an in-focus state oninfinity. The Zoom lens according to Example 6 includes, in order fromthe object side, the first lens group G1 having positive refractivepower, the second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, thethird lens group G3 having positive refractive power, the fourth lensgroup G4 having negative refractive power, the fifth lens group G5having negative refractive power, and the sixth lens group G6 havingpositive refractive power. The third lens group G3 corresponds to theintermediate group M. The fourth lens group G4 corresponds to the lensgroup F. The rear group R includes the fifth lens group G5 and the sixthlens group G6.

In zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, the first lensgroup G1 moves toward the object, the second lens group G2 moves towardthe image, the third lens group G3 moves toward the object, the fourthlens group G4 moves toward the object, the fifth lens group G5 movestoward the object, and the sixth lens group G6 is fixed with respect tothe optical axis.

Focusing from an infinite-distance object to a short-distance object isperformed by the fourth lens group G4 (lens group F) moving toward theimage.

An aperture stop S is disposed adjacent to the third lens group G3 andcloser to the object than the third lens group G3.

Hereinafter, the configuration of each lens group will be described.

The first lens group G1 includes, in order from the object side, acemented lens in which the negative meniscus lens L1 having a convexsurface facing an object and a positive meniscus lens L2 having a convexsurface facing an object are cemented, and the positive meniscus lens L3having a convex surface facing an object.

The second lens group G2 includes, in order from the object side, thenegative meniscus lens L4 having a convex surface facing an object, acemented lens in which the biconcave lens L5 and the biconvex lens L6are cemented, and a negative meniscus lens L7 having a concave surfacefacing an object. The negative meniscus lens L4 is a glass moldedaspherical lens having a surface, facing an object, in an asphericalshape. The negative meniscus lens L7 is a glass molded aspherical lenshaving a surface, facing the image, in an aspherical shape.

The third lens group G3 includes, in order from the object side, thepositive meniscus lens L8 with a convex surface facing an object, thepositive meniscus lens L9 with a convex surface facing an object, acemented lens in which three lenses of the negative meniscus lens L10with a convex surface facing an object, the biconvex lens L11, and thebiconcave lens L12 are cemented, a biconcave lens L13, the biconvex lensL14, and the biconvex lens L15. The biconcave lens L13 is a glass moldedaspherical lens having both surfaces in an aspherical shape. Thebiconvex lens L15 is a glass molded aspherical lens having both surfacesin an aspherical shape. The positive meniscus lens L8 and the positivemeniscus lens L9 constitute the first positive lens subgroup Mp1. Thepositive meniscus lens L8 is the positive lens P, and the object sideface is convex toward the object. A cemented lens in which three lensesof the negative meniscus lens L10, the biconvex lens L11, and thebiconcave lens L12 are cemented constitutes the first negative lenssubgroup Mn1. The cemented surface between the negative meniscus lensL10 and the biconvex lens L11 has a convex surface facing an object. Thebiconcave lens L13 constitutes the second negative lens subgroup Mn2.The biconvex lens L14 and the biconvex lens L15 constitute the secondpositive lens subgroup Mp2. The image side face of the biconvex lens L15is convex toward the image. In addition, an air lens having a biconvexshape is formed between the biconcave lens L12 and the biconcave lensL13, and has negative refractive power.

The fourth lens group G4 includes a cemented lens in which a positivemeniscus lens L16 having a convex surface facing an object and anegative meniscus lens L17 having a convex surface facing an object arecemented.

The fifth lens group G5 includes, in order from the object side, apositive meniscus lens L18 having a concave surface facing an object,and the negative meniscus lens L19 having a concave surface facing anobject. The negative meniscus lens L19 is a glass molded aspherical lenshaving both surfaces in an aspherical shape.

The sixth lens group G6 includes only the biconvex lens L20.

(2) Numerical Examples

Next, numerical examples to which specific numerical values of the zoomlens are applied will be described. Hereinafter, “lens data”,“specification table”, “variable space”, “lens group data”, and“aspherical coefficient” are illustrated. FIGS. 22 to 24 illustratelongitudinal aberration diagrams of the zoom lens at the wide-angle end,the intermediate focal length, and the telephoto end in an in-focusstate on infinity.

[Lens Data] Surface number r d nd vd Object surface ∞ d(0)  1 111.30811.5000 1.90366 31.31  2 75.1868 9.1566 1.49700 81.61  3 1104.9505 0.2000 4 83.4987 7.0088 1.49700 81.61  5 707.9086 d(5)  6ASPH 88.0432 1.20001.88300 40.80  7 27.5361 11.1828  8 −67.7941 1.2000 1.72916 54.67  931.7213 11.0000 1.85883 30.00 10 −64.9764 3.8058 11 −30.0221 1.20001.77250 49.60 12ASPH −85.4425 d(12) 13S ∞ 1.2000 14 41.2797 4.55941.92286 20.88 15 138.5471 1.4012 16 33.6292 5.4561 1.65160 58.54 17159.0629 0.2000 18 96.1876 1.2000 1.92286 20.88 19 24.1514 10.33401.59282 68.62 20 −32.5362 1.2000 1.91082 35.25 21 74.8307 2.3933 22ASPH−125.9493 1.2000 1.85135 40.10 23ASPH 5000.0000 0.2000 24 31.7717 8.71821.61800 63.39 25 −51.0249 0.2000 26ASPH 153.7912 2.9699 1.80835 40.5527ASPH −85.7225 d(27) 28 56.9139 2.2573 1.92286 20.88 29 129.2802 0.90001.74320 49.34 30 20.9401 d(30) 31 −76.4294 4.0000 1.67270 32.10 32−34.4896 5.3127 33ASPH −20.4409 1.5000 1.74320 49.29 34ASPH −67.4790d(34) 35 869.1400 2.8174 1.78800 47.37 36 −160.0237 d(36) 37 ∞ 2.50001.51680 64.20 38 ∞ 1.0000 image plane ∞

[Specification Table] Wide-angle end Intermediate Telephoto end f36.0110 74.9870 145.7999 FNo. 2.0606 2.5369 2.9024 ω 31.0557 15.37038.1006 Y 21.6330 21.6330 21.6330

[Variable space] Wide-angle Telephoto Wide-angle Telephoto endIntermediate end end Intermediate end d(0) ∞ ∞ ∞ 634.4222 620.5667589.4221 d(5) 1.0000 27.4974 55.8464 1.0000 27.4974 55.8464 d(12)28.1486 6.5344 1.3000 28.1486 6.5344 1.3000 d(27) 1.4936 5.2182 1.49992.2959 7.9572 7.9516 d(30) 11.4620 12.2553 14.4639 10.6597 9.5163 8.0121d(34) 1.0000 5.4543 14.9942 1.0000 5.4543 14.9942 d(36) 13.5000 13.500013.5000 13.5000 13.5000 13.5000

[Lens group data] Group No. Focal length G1 134.0890 G2 −28.2642 G330.8961 G4 −50.7816 G5 −76.6750 G6 171.7070

[Aspherical Coefficient] Surface number k A4 A6 A8 A10 A12  6 0.0000 7.30181E−07  8.32971E−10 −7.95708E−13  3.13536E−15  0.00000E+00 120.0000 −1.75869E−06 −2.68675E−10  5.29718E−13 −2.70231E−16  0.00000E+0022 9.3117  4.31374E−06  6.68223E−08  1.16729E−10  1.24698E−13−2.13604E−16 23 0.0000  2.18602E−05  8.37130E−08  5.33051E−11 1.67136E−13  0.00000E+00 26 26.8006  6.75643E−06 −6.84133E−08 3.82555E−10 −2.67822E−12  5.84648E−15 27 0.0000  9.04944E−06−3.48419E−08  4.16286E−10 −2.73040E−12  5.96512E−15 33 0.0000 1.33881E−05  2.09246E−08 −1.08302E−10  3.04070E−13  0.00000E+00 340.0000  5.22704E−07 −8.82903E−09 −4.83789E−11  9.03529E−14  0.00000E+00

TABLE 1 Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 (1) fM/fMn1 −0.616 −0.603 −0.195 −0.185−0.562 −0.818 (2) Rmf/ft 0.266 0.299 0.434 0.423 0.623 0.283 (3) Rmb/ft−0.267 0.752 −0.537 −0.531 −0.766 −0.588 (4) θgF − (−1.618 × 0.03130.0313 0.0313 0.0313 0.0313 0.0313 10⁻³ × vd + 0.6415) (5) vd 20.8820.88 20.88 20.88 20.88 20.88 (6) BFw/Y 0.746 0.746 0.746 0.746 0.7460.746

TABLE 2 Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 fM 32.389 31.537 31.915 30.442 29.307 30.896fMn1 −52.622 −52.334 −163.339 −164.177 −52.164 −37.768 Rmf 38.639 43.55263.211 61.715 63.471 41.28 Rmb −38.914 109.521 −78.264 −77.343 −78.002−85.723 θgF 0.639 0.639 0.639 0.639 0.639 0.639 BFw 16.148 16.148 16.14816.148 16.148 16.148 φLC1 0.034 0.040 0.017 0.027 0.024 0.029 φLC2 0.0530.021 0.010 0.021 0.039 0.043 φLC3 0.037 0.036 0.025 0.007 0.036 0.040φLC4 — 0.015 0.026 0.018 — — φLC5 — — 0.039 0.035 — — φLC6 — — 0.0100.008 — —

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a zoomlens that is small as a whole and has excellent optical performancewhile having a large aperture ratio, and an imaging apparatus includingthe zoom lens.

What is claimed is:
 1. A zoom lens comprising: in order from an objectside, a first lens group having positive refractive power, a second lensgroup having negative refractive power, an intermediate group M havingone or more lens groups and having positive refractive power as a whole,a lens group F having negative refractive power, and a rear group Rhaving one or more lens groups, wherein the intermediate group Mincludes, in order from an object side, a first positive lens subgroupMp1 including one or two positive lenses, a first negative lens subgroupMn1 including only one cemented lens in which two or more lenses arecemented, a second negative lens subgroup Mn2 including a negative lenswith a concave surface facing an object, and a second positive lenssubgroup Mp2 including one or two positive lenses, the cemented lensconstituting the first negative lens subgroup Mn1 has at least onecemented surface with a convex surface facing an object, a lens, closestto an image, of the second positive lens subgroup Mp2 is a positivelens, a space between adjacent lens groups changes in zooming, the lensgroup F moves on an optical axis in focusing, and the zoom lenssatisfies following Conditional Expression:−1.30≤fM/fMn1<0  (1) where fMn1 is a focal length of the first negativelens subgroup Mn1, and fM is a composite focal length of theintermediate group M.
 2. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein therear group R has negative refractive power as a whole.
 3. The zoom lensaccording to claim 1, wherein the rear group R includes at least onelens group having negative refractive power, and the lens group havingnegative refractive power moves toward an object in zooming from awide-angle end to a telephoto end.
 4. The zoom lens according to claim1, wherein the first lens group moves toward an object in zooming from awide-angle end to a telephoto end.
 5. The zoom lens according to claim1, wherein the zoom lens satisfies following Conditional Expression:0.15≤Rmf/ft≤0.70  (2) where Rmf is a radius of curvature of a lenssurface, closest to an object, of the intermediate group M, and ft is afocal length of the zoom lens at a telephoto end.
 6. The zoom lensaccording to claim 1, wherein the zoom lens satisfies followingConditional Expression:−0.80≤Rmb/ft≤−0.15  (3) where Rmb is a radius of curvature of a lenssurface, closest to an image, of the intermediate group M, and ft is afocal length of the zoom lens at the telephoto end.
 7. The zoom lensaccording to claim 1, wherein a lens surface, closest to an object, ofthe second lens group is convex toward the object.
 8. The zoom lensaccording to claim 1, wherein the intermediate group M includes at leastone air lens having negative refractive power.
 9. The zoom lensaccording to claim 1, wherein the intermediate group M includes apositive lens P at a position closest to an object, and the positivelens P simultaneously satisfies following Conditional Expressions (4)and (5):0.01≤θgF−(−1.618×10−3×νd+0.6415)≤0.06  (4)10≤νd≤35  (5) where θgF is a partial dispersion ratio of a material ofthe positive lens P with respect to g Line and F Line, and νd is an Abbenumber of the material of the positive lens P with respect to d Line.10. The zoom lens according to claim 1, wherein the zoom lens satisfiesfollowing Conditional Expression:0.3≤BFw/Y≤1.5  (6) where BFw is a back focus of the zoom lens at awide-angle end, and is a value obtained by converting a cover glassthickness to an air conversion length, and Y is a maximum image heightof the zoom lens.
 11. An imaging apparatus comprising: the zoom lensaccording to claim 1; and an image sensor that converts an optical imageformed on an image side of the zoom lens by the zoom lens into anelectrical signal.